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French Couple Detained in Iran on Serious Charges
A French couple, Jacques Paris and Cecile Kohler, has been accused of espionage for Israel and attempts to overthrow the Iranian government. This information was confirmed by diplomatic sources and family members on Wednesday.
Since May 2022, both individuals have been held in detention. Their families, along with French officials, contend that the allegations are baseless and driven by political motivations.
The couple faces grave charges, including “corruption on earth,” a crime that can lead to the death penalty. Iranian authorities have additionally charged them with “conspiracy to overthrow the regime,” claiming they spied for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.
Kohler’s sister stated that they have had limited access to the legal system, mentioning that the pair has not been permitted to meet with independent lawyers despite appearing before a judge who confirmed the charges.
The French foreign ministry has yet to disclose the specifics of a recent visit by a French diplomat to the couple, following significant concerns from their families about their well-being, particularly after recent Israeli military actions.
The couple’s fate has remained uncertain since Israel targeted Evin prison in a recent airstrike, which Iranian authorities claim resulted in at least 79 fatalities. Following the attack, Iran’s prison authority transferred several inmates out of Evin, including some women prisoners moved to Qarchak prison, known for its harsh conditions.
Cecile Kohler, age 40, and her partner, 72-year-old Jacques Paris, have faced serious espionage accusations that their families strongly dispute. Reports suggest that Iran is currently detaining approximately 20 European nationals, with many cases kept under wraps. Western nations, including France, view these actions as a potential hostage strategy to force concessions from the West.
In addition to Kohler and Paris, three other unidentified Europeans have been arrested amid the current conflict, with at least two accused of espionage for Israel.
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